Judge arrives to assess Bain compo case

David Bain was acquitted of killing his family at a 2009 retrial. Photo / 60 Minutes.

A Canadian Supreme Court judge charged with assessing David Bain's bid for compensation is in Dunedin interviewing those with a connection to the case.

Mr Bain was convicted in 1995 of murdering his family and spent 13 years in jail before being acquitted in a 2009 retrial.

The retrial came after the Privy Council in 2007 quashed his conviction after finding there had been a substantial miscarriage of justice.

An application for compensation for wrongful conviction from Mr Bain was received by former justice minister Simon Power in March 2010.

During his New Zealand visit, Justice Binnie, who is being paid $450 an hour, has requested to interview former Dunedin detectives Milton Weir and Jim Doyle.

Mr Weir declined to comment yesterday and attempts to contact Mr Doyle were unsuccessful.

Document obtained by the Otago Daily Times under the Official Information Act reveal any payment would be made at the discretion of Cabinet.

Justice Binnie would recommend an appropriate amount of compensation.

That recommendation was likely to include non-monetary losses, such as loss of liberty, reputation, and actual monetary losses, such as loss of future earnings and loss of livelihood.

According to released papers, the starting figure for calculating non-monetary losses was set at $100,000, which is multiplied on a pro rata basis by the number of years spent in prison.

That pro rata figure would then be added to an amount of general compensation.

"Only cases with truly exceptional circumstances would attract general compensation that is greater than $100,000," the briefing paper noted.

Papers for Justice Minister Judith Collins, who declined to comment yesterday, also noted "there will continue to be a high level of public and media interest in Mr Bain's claim".

A Justice Ministry spokesman said "Justice Binnie's role was an independent one and included deciding the best process for assessing the claim".

While able to confirm Justice Binnie would be in New Zealand this month, "the ministry is not able to comment further on any aspects of Justice Binnie's deliberations".

Joe Karam, long-time supporter of Mr Bain, did not return calls yesterday.